By Silver Dragonfly
Chapter 10 – Awakening Fox & Unicorn
Naruto frowned as he poked the unconscious form of Ebisu. He knew the guy wasn't all
that strong, but to be taken out by an overgrown toad? He'd been hoping to talk to
Kakashi-sensei about what the snake-freak had done to him—but that hope had been
squashed the instant he found out Kakashi was going off to train Sasuke and leaving him
with Ebisu. And now even his substitute sensei had been knocked out.
"Now what do we do, eh Zurui?" Naruto mumbled as he then turned, somewhat
surprised to see the small fox kit staring at the large toad and the man still standing on the
toads back. Naruto's interest perked—just maybe…
"Who the hell are YOU?! What's with the huge Frog?!" Naruto shouted. The tall
white-haired man seemed to brighten as a huge grin appeared on his face.
"I'm glad you asked! Ku-ku-ku—I am…Mt. Myobuko-gama's holy master Sennin, also
known as the Toad Hermit. Remember it!"
Naruto frowned. A sennin? He's just some hermit! "STUPID PERVERTD SENNIN!! What
did you do!? He was supposed to train me! NOW look at him…" Naruto shouted pointing
at the still prone form of Ebisu.
The white-haired man's eyes seemed to spark as he studied the loudmouth blond youth.
Pervert am I, eh kid? His lips turned up in a smirk. The kid's grown-up in an interesting
way Yondaime…I'm going to see to it that he continues to grow.
**********
"Anko, I'm relieving you of normal Jounin duties until after the 3rd exam matches." The
Sandaime stated as he watched the young woman calmly, noting how her hand
immediately raised to cover the once again invisible mark on her neck. "No, Anko, it has
nothing to do with the curse seal. The young woman's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"But Hokage-sama, I'm a liability—a risk—I—"
"You are a well respected Special Jounin of Konoha. Your loyalties have remained here and
they always will. I don't doubt your ability to withstand the curse seal. No, the reason I
am keeping you off of regular duties is because I have something special for you to do. The
Genin Team Seven lead by Hatake Kakashi has been a unique group that has needed
special attention from day one, and not just because of Uchiha Sasuke. You know of the
fox-demon and the boy Uzumaki Naruto as well. Events that have happened in the last few
days affect him just as much as Sasuke. This being the case, I have already taken action to
see that they are both under special care. However, despite this, there is another that needs
attention as well. Genin Haruno Sakura—I want you to take up her training until after the
exam Anko."
Anko stood stunned for a few moments. "Hokage-sama are you sure that is wise? She is
Kakashi's student and—"
"Kakashi is working with Sasuke and Naruto has received a substitute as well. From the
very beginning Sakura has been the weakest point of the team, but at the same time she has
been its strongest, for she was placed in a position that made her a pillar of sorts for the
other two boys. She is fighting against being left behind; you saw that, I'm sure, in her match.
If she goes through this period without a sensei; she will only feel as if she has been left
further behind. Add to that, she met Orochimaru in the forest. She could use your guidance
Anko."
"I…" Anko started to respond, but then stopped as she realized just what meeting
Orochimaru could do to a Genin. The girl was in fact very lucky she had survived. And
dealing with any trauma from such a meeting—Anko realized that helping the girl deal
with that was something she alone was very capable of doing. Her eyes sparked. Yes, she
would do this… it would give her yet another way to get back at Orochimaru, even if it was
only a tiny victory…it was enough. "I will accept this duty Hokage-sama."
The Third smiled. "Here is her file, I suggest you meet her as soon as possible. And
Anko—There may be something else going on involving those Genin—something much
bigger then this ordeal with Orochimaru. Let me know if you discover anything."
Anko nodded as she picked up the file and then left, her head held high.
Sandaime smiled as she watched her leave. Not only would Anko be able to help Sakura,
but Sakura would most likely help Anko as well. Students had a way of doing that. He
frowned, now if only one of his former students would show up.
**********
Jiraiya yawned as he settled in to watch over Naruto's training, which for today at least
would likely be nothing more then chakara control, at least from what he saw of the training
before he dealt with Ebisu. He watched lazily as Naruto began the exercise once more,
absently noting the presence of a fox kit nearby. Apparently the fox thought this was as
boring as he did since it was lying down and had yawned itself. He smirked as he noted
the kit had also chosen to make himself comfortable a safe distance away from the water's
edge.
Jiraiya turned his head as he watched Naruto attempting to walk on the water once more,
and not having much success. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he studied the boy's movements.
Something wasn't right… his control wasn't all that bad, and yet it was so unstable that it
was making it near impossible for the kid to handle. He watched as Naruto fell into the
water with a splash, only to quickly clamber out and choose to get rid of his clothing before
trying again. Jiraiya dodged the flying wet fabric as he continued to study Naruto, noting
the black mark that appeared on his bare stomach as he tried to form and control his
chakara. "Hey kid. Come over here."
Naruto gave him a weird look, but approached.
"Now try to form your chakara again."
Jiraiya watched, studying the boy's stomach as the mark became visible once again, There's
been a second seal put on top of the original one the Yondaime made…no wonder the kid is
having problems. The first seal is designed to allow the kid access to the Kyuubi's power,
and now that it's cut off; its not only cut him off from that chakara but it's messing with his
normal chakara system as well. Jiraiya smirked, Looks like Orochimaru didn't recognize
him as anything more then the vessel of the fox.
Naruto watched as the perverted Sennin studied his stomach, and wondered if just maybe
this guy knew who he really was. But he had felt none of the hate or coldness from the
pervert that he got from so much of the village, and just maybe he could undo whatever it
was that snake-freak had done to him. Naruto gasped as he was sent flying back several feet
with the sudden impact of the pervert's fingers on his midsection. Naruto groaned as he
instinctively curled and wrapped his arms around his midsection. "STUPID Ero Senin.
What did you do?!"
"Ah I just hit some points to relax you. Go ahead and continue with the training." The
older-man stated as he waved his hand at Naruto off-handedly.
Naruto grumbled but approached the water's edge once more and concentrated. He
relaxed as his chakara formed and then he realized that he was standing on the water…
easily. It was smooth again, nothing blocking his flow. Naruto's eyes opened wide. Kyuubi!
Almost instantly Naruto felt the guardian's presence fill and surround him. They were
whole once more.
"It's about time that seal got removed—good to see you're still in one piece."
Naruto only grinned and jumped in excitement. Ero Sennin must have removed it!
"Ero Sennin?" Kyuubi asked, puzzled.
Yeah, that guy over there. Naruto answered turning so the white haired Sennin was in his
line of view.
At first Kyuubi didn't respond. "He smells like a toad."
Naruto laughed in his mind, agreeing.
*********
"Her injuries are healing remarkably well Hiashi-sama. However it will still be several
days before I can allow you to taker her home."
Hinata strained her ears to hear what her father's response was, but she made out nothing
save for a soft murmur. Footsteps echoed as people moved away from her room. She
opened her eyes slowly; glad that neither the doctor nor her father had realized that she
was awake. She winced at a sharp throb in her chest.
"The healing has already been accelerated by our bond, but it will still take a little time to
heal Hinata-chan."
Hinata's eyes widened and her gaze darted around the empty hospital room, but saw
no one.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten me already?" the sweet tempered voice asked as a calming
violet seemed to fill Hinata from the inside out. Hinata relaxed as she struggled to
remember where she had heard the voice before—then it clicked.
I want to change! I want to become stronger! For my
family!—For Naruto!!—For Myself! Hinata thought to
herself as she struggled to her feet one more time, turning
to face the cold glare of her cousin.
"Why do you stand? Why do you keep pushing
yourself?!" Neji demanded.
Hinata ignored his question, focusing on gathering
her strength. He's finally watching me…in front of the
person I admire…I can't look this bad… Hinata smiled.
She would not give up. "It's not over."
"Acting tough is useless. You can barely stand. I can
see that. From the time of your birth, the responsibility
of the Hyuga Main house has been forced upon you.
You have always hated yourself, but people cannot
change. That is destiny. There is no need to suffer
anymore. Let it go!" Neji lectured.
"That's not true Neji-niisan. Because…I can see…it's
not me at all. The person lost and suffering within the
destiny of the main and branch house is you…" Hinata
answered her voice confident.
Neji snapped, and charged; only to be stopped a mere
few feet away from Hinata by several Jounin.
Hinata's strength crumbled. A tearing cough raked
through her chest, sending her to the ground with its
intensity. Hinata blinked. Her vision fading as she
found herself on her back. She spotted Naruto leaning
over her and couldn't help but smile, even if only to
herself. Was I able to change? Was I able to change
myself even a little Naruto-kun? She asked silently as
blackness overtook her vision.
Suddenly warm violet filled her vision; even though
she knew her eyes were still closed. "Yes Hinata-chan,
you were able to change—and you will continue to
grow and change. Your strength of will and
determination has awoken our bond. And now the
power of the Unicorn is yours for we are one. Human
and Guardian. Girl and Unicorn. Hinata and Kilin.
Now the power of healing is yours in a way you never
could imagine… rest Hinata-chan we will talk again
when you awaken."
You're Kilin… Hinata whispered in her mind.
"Yes…I am Kilin, leader of the Unicorn Clan, Guardian Spirit, and your partner."
But why me? There are so many others…
"Because you are you and no one else. I will not leave you Hinata-chan, my strength is
now added to yours, my ability is now yours. We are one."
Hinata smiled, feeling warm and not so alone or unsure.
"Now why don't we begin to learn—first step, learning to heal…"
And with that Kilin began to coach Hinata through the use of new abilities, abilities that
accelerated her own healing at an alarming rate, abilities that would allow her to heal
others as well.
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